Sparky's Essential Electrician Tools

[LOW1]

I carry this tool caddy, which doesn't hold nearly all the tools in the op. . .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2870750437...RzWfc2no2GPSh8iLxga_vJMniIZkMtERoC6gkQAvD_BwE

That is a beautiful tool caddy but it looks so nice I would be afraid to use it. Why an expensive leather one when a nylon one like this seems to perhaps be more practical (and a lot cheaper)?

Tool Bag, Tradesman Pro™ Lighted Tool Bag, 31 Pockets, 15-Inch - 55431 | Klein Tools

The Klein Tools Tradesman Pro™ Organizer Lighted Tool Bag features an LED light that illuminates inside your bag or your workspace. The removable LED light that can be positioned to shine inside or away from the bag. The light also has a hook and magnet for hands-free use.

www.kleintools.com

 

[BreeStephany]

Criminy. What is your job title? Did you have to purchase all those meters?

My background is industrial automation and industrial motor controls. Ive worked as a foreman and project manager for almost the last decade, but my primary passion is in troubleshooting, repair and maintenance.

And yes, all of my troubleshooting tech I purchased myself.

 

[willf650]

I would say 70% of electricians don't have a single high quality meter. They may only have a Volcon or something and a meter like a Klein or Ideal.

Since this was supposed to a list for "apprentices" this Fluke 302 would be a step above a tester and rugged enough to be carried around everyday. It would meet the needs for standard day to day use until something more advanced is needed.

Most companies will own and provide an insulation tester or data logging meter if it is required.

 

[sparky 1971]

I carry this tool caddy, which doesn't hold nearly all the tools in the op, and the value of the tools in it is abot $1500.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2870750437...RzWfc2no2GPSh8iLxga_vJMniIZkMtERoC6gkQAvD_BwE

I carry this one daily: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3580940800...9Mtek504piQrq4XwnMmYLOEPs=|tkp:Bk9SR9Cc0tD5Zg

And this one stays in the van full of tools that I use semi regularly, but nothing close to every day, maybe not even weekly. It's nowhere near as nice as the one above: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3735157749...a2oFrH0vi+PhA4kpgPbTYPsSvNI=|tkp:BFBM2IPq0Plm

That is a beautiful tool caddy but it looks so nice I would be afraid to use it. Why an expensive leather one when a nylon one like this seems to perhaps be more practical (and a lot cheaper)?

Tool Bag, Tradesman Pro™ Lighted Tool Bag, 31 Pockets, 15-Inch - 55431 | Klein Tools

The Klein Tools Tradesman Pro™ Organizer Lighted Tool Bag features an LED light that illuminates inside your bag or your workspace. The removable LED light that can be positioned to shine inside or away from the bag. The light also has a hook and magnet for hands-free use.

www.kleintools.com

Because nylon *****. I think that even the high dollar Veto bags are ****.

 

[LOW1]

I carry this one daily: https://www.ebay.com/itm/358094080051?_skw=leather+electricians+tool+tote&itmmeta=01KF6GMHRY8EP46EGC2EHYCWVW&hash=item5360120833:g:ywUAAeSw7FFpK5WW&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAO7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rOCrexbb+HfmslHQIcLYUG0eAUDfXGJGPzSQwgXiIz8VRLUItDK5tNweWbJIh65j5aAJbA9Cnnvl3BfROAl7505ZzLeKhzWzmrvKwBdX40k2Wb4lYi0c3GmJftZY35kCjMjqOvXjRDiTZq5dyd71h8MTrseEBL9Dm2Q9spB89rAFpa0R8weMs02s0qpnb67KdMqxAApBNmmwI4XyxdxOIn55ByfwGaBDaEJFTiiFuZ0EOyFDca8RiKZSw9DTPhmQ0kO33c7dZPM4pbo1Cbpj1jvShe0bdEi4i77l4jUH9Mtek504piQrq4XwnMmYLOEPs=|tkp:Bk9SR9Cc0tD5Zg

And this one stays in the van full of tools that I use semi regularly, but nothing close to every day, maybe not even weekly. It's nowhere near as nice as the one above: https://www.ebay.com/itm/373515774900?_skw=occidental+leather+electricians+tool+tote&epid=1101429338&itmmeta=01KF6GTG6WPK6QG19SBHWS24B1&hash=item56f7466bb4:g:bz8AAOSwiA5gXvxA&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAO7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rXDO6AEKXWpBpWq/e5qjKGavr4kppHMfGdSvM44n0yhu+gLAifsFHMECjV00ZyPkN+cEUUT/JmoVMnLop+fc1o5J6u4J5ABXxXJMqPCu0F3v5MgiSHz7aMCi/ZsuXrrFHpu8K0PPjdiEaeqLecfLSNCVKkg6F5+oj3TpcyvfbcT9RvskwNQ/HiKOEJS4W/SsdnrU0KAjlcdtyIlXZGd8/kmEyLbmyT0x1IsvwN0SasbpFaoCHa6yykMrs1bqJKdMBTEm0Vvrwq0qHEAB7Hjd6nE26Zy0nBXyUniqk2a2oFrH0vi+PhA4kpgPbTYPsSvNI=|tkp:BFBM2IPq0Plm



Because nylon *****. I think that even the high dollar Veto bags are ****.

Help me out please. What is better about leather?

 

[sparky 1971]

Help me out please. What is better about leather?

If you were to use both, you'd know. As long as the same tool goes in the same pocket every time, leather will take the shape of it, helping to hold it in vs. nylon where it's always a big, fat, sloppy fit and the only thing holding the tool in place is gravity. The nylon is flimsy and after a couple of years will start to lean over (I fully expected my Occidental Leather tote to do that as well, but I've had it since 2017 and it still stands straight up, the every day tote has an angle iron frame under the leather so it's never going to develop a lean), leather lasts a lot longer. And most of all, leather has the cool factor.

I've tried a couple of different nylon totes as well as tool pouches, every one of them was in a dumpster within a couple of months, not because they wore out or failed, but because I hated them and could see failure on the horizon. I've had one leather tote get tossed, but it was y first, a cheap CLC that was 100% stitched together. The stitches gave out one time when I was going down a set of stair and the bottom fell out, making a huge mess. I can't really complain about that one, it was less than $100 and I carried it every day for over five years. The Occidental has stitches, but rivets as well. The other tote is 100% riveted; one rivet needs attention where the pliers handle got caught on something and I gave it a yank, pulling the leather off of the rivet but I'm not concerned about anything falling apart

 

[Hakeem]

I carry this one daily: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3580940800...9Mtek504piQrq4XwnMmYLOEPs=|tkp:Bk9SR9Cc0tD5Zg

And this one stays in the van full of tools that I use semi regularly, but nothing close to every day, maybe not even weekly. It's nowhere near as nice as the one above: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3735157749...a2oFrH0vi+PhA4kpgPbTYPsSvNI=|tkp:BFBM2IPq0Plm



Because nylon *****. I think that even the high dollar Veto bags are ****.

Major respect for your choice in tool totes. I don’t care for nylon stuff either, mostly for all the same reasons you’ve mentioned.

I have several Occidental items myself and always thought they were as good as it gets — you really think that “Tuff Totes” bag is better? Never heard of them before .. very interesting to learn about them.

Help me out please. What is better about leather?

It takes wear and tear better and looks better with age. Scratches and scuffs make it look better, You can oil it and it takes on a beautiful patina. And as Sparky mentioned, the leather molds to whatever it holds. Leather tool belts shape themselves to the wearer and get more comfortable than nylon which doesn’t really take a shape

Nylon is a bit lighter and handles getting wet better. Otherwise I think good leather products are superior. There are lots of people who prefer the nylon stuff, Diamondback and Atlas bags are the hot new thing these days. Lots of good options out there, but I still prefer leather

 

[sparky 1971]

Major respect for your choice in tool totes. I don’t care for nylon stuff either, mostly for all the same reasons you’ve mentioned.

I have several Occidental items myself and always thought they were as good as it gets — you really think that “Tuff Totes” bag is better? Never heard of them before .. very interesting to learn about them.

Pardon Our Interruption...

This one is better, hands down and there really is no comparison. You haven't heard of them because it's not a thing you'd find in stores. These are made by someone in his leather shop, I don't know if it's his garage, basement, or if he even has a regular shop, and sold on ebay, maybe some other sites as well. Go to his ebay store and check them out, look at the pictures, and notice that there isn't one stitch of thread on them, but a ton of rivets holding everything together. There is also a metal frame, angle iron in the corners and flat stock everywhere else underneath the leather. I'm on my second only because the first was stolen when some crack head decided he needed my tools more than I did and broke into the van. If it wasn't for that I'd still be using it. The Occidental was actually a replacement for the bag that was stolen; I used it for a couple of years but just couldn't bring myself to love it like the tote before so I bought the one I currently have and the Occy replaced a tool box.

 

[BreeStephany]

I would say 70% of electricians don't have a single high quality meter. They may only have a Volcon or something and a meter like a Klein or Ideal.

Since this was supposed to a list for "apprentices" this Fluke 302 would be a step above a tester and rugged enough to be carried around everyday. It would meet the needs for standard day to day use until something more advanced is needed.

Most companies will own and provide an insulation tester or data logging meter if it is required.

In my personal opinion, at minimum, any electrician should have a Knopp K-60 solenoid tester. As an apprentice, I quickly learned to NEVER trust a non-contact voltage tester and that a non-contact voltage tester should NEVER be used for troubleshooting, as it can often lead you down a rabit hole in the wrong direction.

A solenoid tester, like the Knopp K-60 is a small inductive load tester and the vibration of the solenoid varies with the voltage you are testing and is rated 100~600V AC/DC.

As an apprentice, I found that I was far more successful, especially in troubleshooting, when I started carrying my own DMM (87V), rather than having to ask my journeyman to borrow theirs to get a task done. This allowed me to quickly identify what I believed the problem to be, explain the issue to my journeyman and to resolve the problem quickly and efficiently.

I know a good quality DMM is a bit of an investment for any electrician, but they are well worth it in the end in helping those in the electrical industry succeed.

Just my two cents.

 

[BreeStephany]

fI carry this one daily: https://www.ebay.com/itm/358094080051?_skw=leather+electricians+tool+tote&itmmeta=01KF6GMHRY8EP46EGC2EHYCWVW&hash=item5360120833:g:ywUAAeSw7FFpK5WW&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAO7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rOCrexbb+HfmslHQIcLYUG0eAUDfXGJGPzSQwgXiIz8VRLUItDK5tNweWbJIh65j5aAJbA9Cnnvl3BfROAl7505ZzLeKhzWzmrvKwBdX40k2Wb4lYi0c3GmJftZY35kCjMjqOvXjRDiTZq5dyd71h8MTrseEBL9Dm2Q9spB89rAFpa0R8weMs02s0qpnb67KdMqxAApBNmmwI4XyxdxOIn55ByfwGaBDaEJFTiiFuZ0EOyFDca8RiKZSw9DTPhmQ0kO33c7dZPM4pbo1Cbpj1jvShe0bdEi4i77l4jUH9Mtek504piQrq4XwnMmYLOEPs=|tkp:Bk9SR9Cc0tD5Zg

And this one stays in the van full of tools that I use semi regularly, but nothing close to every day, maybe not even weekly. It's nowhere near as nice as the one above: https://www.ebay.com/itm/373515774900?_skw=occidental+leather+electricians+tool+tote&epid=1101429338&itmmeta=01KF6GTG6WPK6QG19SBHWS24B1&hash=item56f7466bb4:g:bz8AAOSwiA5gXvxA&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAO7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rXDO6AEKXWpBpWq/e5qjKGavr4kppHMfGdSvM44n0yhu+gLAifsFHMECjV00ZyPkN+cEUUT/JmoVMnLop+fc1o5J6u4J5ABXxXJMqPCu0F3v5MgiSHz7aMCi/ZsuXrrFHpu8K0PPjdiEaeqLecfLSNCVKkg6F5+oj3TpcyvfbcT9RvskwNQ/HiKOEJS4W/SsdnrU0KAjlcdtyIlXZGd8/kmEyLbmyT0x1IsvwN0SasbpFaoCHa6yykMrs1bqJKdMBTEm0Vvrwq0qHEAB7Hjd6nE26Zy0nBXyUniqk2a2oFrH0vi+PhA4kpgPbTYPsSvNI=|tkp:BFBM2IPq0Plm



Because nylon *****. I think that even the high dollar Veto bags are ****.

Damnit... well I guess I need to add another tool to the wish list

I've been carrying my everyday carry tools in a Occidental Leather belt / suspender setup for the last 20 years with the same bags, but they are finally starting to show their age and I am going back into industrial maintenance / automation / troubleshooting, so belt based bags just are not as practical as service carts, tool totes, etc, so a leather tool tote for 'everyday carry' seems like the logical step moving forward.

All of my excess tooling is carried in 3 20+ year old CLC BigMouth synthetic bags. One for screw drivers, strippers, cable prep tooling, etc. (my 'everyday bag'), one for hex bits, insulated ratchet, sockets & hex, general ratchets, extensions, large cable prep tools, cable shears & ratcheting cable cutters, etc. (my 'switchgear bag') and one for LV tooling, crimpers, LV cable prep tools, molex pin tools, MC4 tools, cable testers & tracers, etc. (my 'LV bag). Each bag weighs 50~70lbs, is practically stuffed to the brim and still going strong. They are worn, but still do their job and the zippers have yet to fail, despite being stuffed to the brim and going through airports as checked baggage multiple times.

I have kept my Occidental bags clean and properly oiled throughout their lifetime, so the leather is still in great shape but the bags are showing their age. One bag the leather is starting to tear, a few stitches are starting to fail, a few rivets are starting to fail and I figure once I get a new tote, it will be time to send it with a friend who does custom leather work for some rework.

For me, the best tool totes are Pelican boxes, but they are heavy, bulky and do eat up a lot of space. I have a Pelican 0450 case that I use for out of town trips and is fully shadowed to hold everything in my current bags, so worst case that will get me by in the new job until I get a new open tote, but I am kind of wanting to wait until I am a few weeks into my new role to see how all of the other electricians are doing it before I go out and invest in new solutions.

Unfortunately, the facility I am going to work for does not have a lot of open warehouse space and does not have a secure lot to my knowledge, so my 16' tool trailer is probably heading back to Montana at some point and then I can figure out what I am doing with it... I truly am a tool hoarder.

 

[Sparky Six Axis]

Vise Grips _ Irwin 902L3
These are great for the occasional rounded off screw. No need to carry a 6" or 8" pair. These little guys will do.


Locking C Clamp _ Irwin IRHT82587
This pair of grips is great for commercial work. Sometimes you need an extra hand screwing brackets onto steel studs and these do the trick.

 

[tarbellb]

I noticed you skipped a trash bag
- Classic Sparky

 

[KnurledNut]

I noticed you skipped a trash bag
- Classic Sparky

A broom is an absolute necessity for an electrician:

 

[Sparky Six Axis]

I noticed you skipped a trash bag
- Classic Sparky

I famously got walked off a job site once for not cleaning up after myself.

The job site was a huge mess. Everyone had two shelf carts but there was so much stuff on the ground that we couldn't roll our carts. We had to carry our carts around.

I was terminating receptacles and dropping all the little insulating pieces on the ground. This dill hole brought me a broom and told me to broom the ENTIRE room. I told him to tell my foreman.

He (the general foreman) went and got my foreman and they both walked me off. I'm not picking up microscopic insulation pieces when the whole place looks like Katrina.

 

[redwrench60]

Hell, I thought knockouts, zip tie cutoffs and stripped wire jacket bits were how you track electricians on a job site. It’s like deer sign but for spark stoppers.

 

[willf650]

What the hell are you guys talking about. I have a broom, dust brush, 2 dust pans and a box of contractor bags in my truck.

I've swept the floor here 3 times in the past two days.


Now let's get back on track and talk about electricians hammers.
Example

 

[Sparky Six Axis]

Now let's get back on track and talk about electricians hammers.
Example

Literally anything can be a hammer. It would be easier to make a list of non-hammers. I will start.

Motorola radios are not very good hammers. They are heavy and shock proof, but the plastic will crack. One of the bosses at my current job uses a radio to hammer things because he isn't allowed to carry tools (per the union agreement).

 

[JohnX14]

That is a beautiful tool caddy but it looks so nice I would be afraid to use it. Why an expensive leather one when a nylon one like this seems to perhaps be more practical (and a lot cheaper)?

Tool Bag, Tradesman Pro™ Lighted Tool Bag, 31 Pockets, 15-Inch - 55431 | Klein Tools

The Klein Tools Tradesman Pro™ Organizer Lighted Tool Bag features an LED light that illuminates inside your bag or your workspace. The removable LED light that can be positioned to shine inside or away from the bag. The light also has a hook and magnet for hands-free use.

www.kleintools.com

Well I bought it over 20 years ago. Lifetime warranty. (except for the strap) I got tired of going through a $50 tote in about a year or so when they'd collapse. I added a bunch of pics just to get an idea of what is in there. And when I bought this around 2005, it was $200 iirc, whereas it's now $400

 

[JohnX14]

I carry this one daily: https://www.ebay.com/itm/358094080051?_skw=leather+electricians+tool+tote&itmmeta=01KF6GMHRY8EP46EGC2EHYCWVW&hash=item5360120833:g:ywUAAeSw7FFpK5WW&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAO7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rOCrexbb+HfmslHQIcLYUG0eAUDfXGJGPzSQwgXiIz8VRLUItDK5tNweWbJIh65j5aAJbA9Cnnvl3BfROAl7505ZzLeKhzWzmrvKwBdX40k2Wb4lYi0c3GmJftZY35kCjMjqOvXjRDiTZq5dyd71h8MTrseEBL9Dm2Q9spB89rAFpa0R8weMs02s0qpnb67KdMqxAApBNmmwI4XyxdxOIn55ByfwGaBDaEJFTiiFuZ0EOyFDca8RiKZSw9DTPhmQ0kO33c7dZPM4pbo1Cbpj1jvShe0bdEi4i77l4jUH9Mtek504piQrq4XwnMmYLOEPs=|tkp:Bk9SR9Cc0tD5Zg

That's a very nice tote. Like the big brother to what I use.

 

[JohnX14]

I carry this one daily: https://www.ebay.com/itm/358094080051?_skw=leather+electricians+tool+tote&itmmeta=01KF6GMHRY8EP46EGC2EHYCWVW&hash=item5360120833:g:ywUAAeSw7FFpK5WW&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAO7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rOCrexbb+HfmslHQIcLYUG0eAUDfXGJGPzSQwgXiIz8VRLUItDK5tNweWbJIh65j5aAJbA9Cnnvl3BfROAl7505ZzLeKhzWzmrvKwBdX40k2Wb4lYi0c3GmJftZY35kCjMjqOvXjRDiTZq5dyd71h8MTrseEBL9Dm2Q9spB89rAFpa0R8weMs02s0qpnb67KdMqxAApBNmmwI4XyxdxOIn55ByfwGaBDaEJFTiiFuZ0EOyFDca8RiKZSw9DTPhmQ0kO33c7dZPM4pbo1Cbpj1jvShe0bdEi4i77l4jUH9Mtek504piQrq4XwnMmYLOEPs=|tkp:Bk9SR9Cc0tD5Zg

And this one stays in the van full of tools that I use semi regularly, but nothing close to every day, maybe not even weekly. It's nowhere near as nice as the one above: https://www.ebay.com/itm/373515774900?_skw=occidental+leather+electricians+tool+tote&epid=1101429338&itmmeta=01KF6GTG6WPK6QG19SBHWS24B1&hash=item56f7466bb4:g:bz8AAOSwiA5gXvxA&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAO7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rXDO6AEKXWpBpWq/e5qjKGavr4kppHMfGdSvM44n0yhu+gLAifsFHMECjV00ZyPkN+cEUUT/JmoVMnLop+fc1o5J6u4J5ABXxXJMqPCu0F3v5MgiSHz7aMCi/ZsuXrrFHpu8K0PPjdiEaeqLecfLSNCVKkg6F5+oj3TpcyvfbcT9RvskwNQ/HiKOEJS4W/SsdnrU0KAjlcdtyIlXZGd8/kmEyLbmyT0x1IsvwN0SasbpFaoCHa6yykMrs1bqJKdMBTEm0Vvrwq0qHEAB7Hjd6nE26Zy0nBXyUniqk2a2oFrH0vi+PhA4kpgPbTYPsSvNI=|tkp:BFBM2IPq0Plm



Because nylon *****. I think that even the high dollar Veto bags are ****.

I did put my leather tote on the shelf for a few years and tried a veto. See pic. It held up well, but I couldn't fit any more in it than the leather tote, and it is at least 50% larger, so I went back to the leather tote. I actually lent my leather tote to my helper (My deceased best friend's son who started two years ago, I wouldn't have lent it to anyone else - I also bought all of his starting tools and drill/ driver). He went to a nylon tote, I missed the leather tote, so I put it back in service and put the veto on the shelf.

 

[JohnX14]

Damnit... well I guess I need to add another tool to the wish list

I've been carrying my everyday carry tools in a Occidental Leather belt / suspender setup for the last 20 years with the same bags, but they are finally starting to show their age and I am going back into industrial maintenance / automation / troubleshooting, so belt based bags just are not as practical as service carts, tool totes, etc, so a leather tool tote for 'everyday carry' seems like the logical step moving forward.

I've used an occidental belt with "framing" bags for electrical roughs for over 20 years. Started with the leather and nylon mixed material bags. The nylon ripped on one of them so I replaced it with an identical bag, but all leather. They didn't make the all leather bag in that style when I first started. The other bag with nylon is still in good shape. The side that carries the pliers and screwdriver wore out eventually. Probably repairable, but I just replaced it.

I wear this bag on the left side https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KGL94A?tag=atomicindus08-20

And this one on my right, it was originally leather/ nylon mix, and I now use this all leather version. Same bag, just all leather https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HGASY78?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Sparky Six Axis]

I used this bag through about half of my apprenticeship. I wish Harbor Freight would bring it back. It was cheap. There aren't many options for canvas bags. Only nylon.

 

[dscheidt]

I used this bag through about half of my apprenticeship. I wish Harbor Freight would bring it back. It was cheap. There aren't many options for canvas bags. Only nylon.

Does that have some kind of a frame?

 

[BreeStephany]

I've used an occidental belt with "framing" bags for electrical roughs for over 20 years. Started with the leather and nylon mixed material bags.

I still have my CLC leather / nylon bags that a carpenter gave me when I first started working construction in early highschool, and surprisingly they are still in good shape.

They gave them to me because they felt that the bags were at the end of there life, but I blew all the dirt and sheetrock dust out of them with an air tip sprayed the nylon down in Awesome citrus cleaner, vacuumed them out and reconditioned the leather with Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner and then used saddle butter conditioner on them until the cracked leather came back to life.

I dont use them much these days, but they are my go-to bags when I help friends out with framing and finish carpentry projects and they are still going strong.

 

[Sparky Six Axis]

Does that have some kind of a frame?

No frame. But the fabric was stiff enough that it stood up. Plus the tools helped it stay upright.

 

[Sparky Six Axis]

Slip Joints _ Channellock 528
These are useful for just about anything. This specific model is my favorite. Other brands just don't feel right.


Channies _ Channellock 420; 430; 440
The name brand channel locks are the best and there's no argument. Buy the 430s and the 440s and you're set. If you work commercial jobs the 420s can be handy for EMT. (then you can leave the other sets in your car and make you bag lighter)

If you're a tablet American and you struggle with ADHD then you should buy the channel locks with the button adjustment ratchet gizmo. Those make good fidget toys for the zoomer apprentices.

One more note. You don't need a reamer if you buy these pliers. Just cut the blue grips off and use the handles to ream conduit.

 

[willf650]

I’ve worked in a few trades all electrical based and have never seen anyone carry a set of slip joint pliers in the field. When you have to carry stuff in weight is a factor and they don’t serve a purpose that can’t be filled by something else in a pinch. I would assume when the millwrights roll in they have a set as they roll in heavy when they set up.

You have to expand your horizons and embrace the pushbuttons.

Honestly if you‘ve only been in this trade 10 years you’ve never had a good pair of Channellock brand pump pliers. I was complaining of about how bad the Klein pump pliers sucked only to be informed the channelocks are now fat boys.

Apparently there are 3 distinct generations of Channellock brand pliers and the current generation is not the best. I only own the previous two generations as I guess I’m too old.

The riggers bags are still around if you want them. They were around well before harbor freight was a thing like it is now. They were one of my first bags.

I’m now lusting over one of those mid size leather totes in this thread. I previously had one of the ideal ones and sold it on eBay because it kept turning over in the truck. The mid size ones are sweet looking and probably don’t suffer the dump over due to their size..

 

[rlitman]

...The name brand channel locks are the best and there's no argument...

I'll die on this hill. Klein groove joints FTW. Yellow all the way. They have better groove engagement than Channel Lock, and much better grips, though a bit more weight. The Craftsman (Western Forge) groove joints with the flush rivet were the most elegant design.

The thing is, the more modern Z jaw designs just work better all around than the old flat jaws. There's a reason people rave about the Knipex Cobra. And I'll take the Knipex TwinGrip over any other slip joint pliers out there.

 

[willf650]

I'll die on this hill. Klein groove joints FTW. Yellow all the way. They have better groove engagement than Channel Lock, and much better grips, though a bit more weight. The Craftsman (Western Forge) groove joints with the flush rivet were the most elegant design.

The thing is, the more modern Z jaw designs just work better all around than the old flat jaws. There's a reason people rave about the Knipex Cobra. And I'll take the Knipex TwinGrip over any other slip joint pliers out there.

We will have to differ on this.

I truly hate the Kleins unless they have changed. I bought a set of 10” and hated them so much I gave them to my retired father within a couple weeks but that was like 30 years ago.

The craftasman with the flush rivet were ok but they ultimately didn’t grip as well as the actual “Channelocks”. I had both in my bag simultaneously at the time as I couldn’t afford to buy additional pliers at the time on a whim. At this point preference matters over cost but when you are starting out you use what you can afford

 

[rlitman]

We will have to differ on this.

I truly hate the Kleins unless they have changed. I bought a set of 10” and hated them so much I gave them to my retired father within a couple weeks but that was like 30 years ago.

The crafTasman with the flush rivet were ok but they ultimately didn’t grip as well as the actual “Channelocks”. i had both in my bag simultaneously at the time as I couldn’t afford to buy additional pliers at the time. At this point preference matters over cost but when you are starting out you use what you can afford

I can appreciate that. They have a different, and heavier feel. These days I find myself using the Knipex PliersWrench on everything hex, and my Channellocks hardly ever come out. I have a bronze set I use on my irrigation system (no worries of them rusting up), but that's about it.

 

[sparky 1971]

I truly hate the Kleins unless they have changed. I bought a set of 10” and hated them so much I gave them to my retired father within a couple weeks but that was like 30 years ago.

You did better than me. The first contractor I worked for gave us a tool set that included two pair of the Klein 10" pump pliers. I stopped at the local Walmart after my first day and bought two pair of Channellock 430's. It wasn't until a couple months later that I was introduced to 420 and 422's and I bought a pair of each. For at least the last 10-12 years, maybe more, I've been using Cobra's at work but still use the Channellocks in the shop.

 

[JohnX14]

Channel lock pump pliers for me. I have 2 pairs of the knipex with the push button adjustable thing. I hate them. I am a huge fan of the knipex NE linesmans, but not so much their "pump" pliers. FWIW, I've never used a set of straight slip joint pliers. At nearly 60, I guess I never will.....either there is no need, or I've been missing out all these years.

 

[Sparky Six Axis]

Apprentices smh

 

[ecotec]

Channel lock pump pliers for me. I have 2 pairs of the knipex with the push button adjustable thing. I hate them. I am a huge fan of the knipex NE linesmans, but not so much their "pump" pliers. FWIW, I've never used a set of straight slip joint pliers. At nearly 60, I guess I never will.....either there is no need, or I've been missing out all these years.

For about six months or so, I used Cobras instead of Channellocks. At some point, I added up what my work tools were worth compared to what they are insured for (as per my union contract). I went back to Channellocks.

 

[BreeStephany]

My 'everyday' essentials are definitely my test equipment / DMMs.

Still need to gather all of these one of these days and take a 'family photo' of all the meters together.

Finally got a 'family photo' of most of my meters.









This is most of my collection I have built over the years, I started out with my 87V as my first meter and it is is an all around work horse of an industrial meter and was definitely a great investment! My go-to these days is my 289, but I have acrued a lot of my more 'specialized' meters over the years.

My Fluke 381, Fluke 789 and Fluke 773 didn't make it into the photo,